“It Made Me Wanna Cry”- Roman Reigns Issues Statement on Wrestlemania Match With Undertaker

Roman Reigns recently opened up about his historic match with The Undertaker at Wrestlemania 33. That year marked Reigns’ ascension into the upper echelons of WWE fame. It was in 2017, at this very match that Reigns would be crowned as the new face of the promotion. However, the match that would push him into superstardom was underwhelming.

Mark Calaway, the man behind The Undertaker has on multiple occasions voiced his displeasure at his performance in Wrestlemania 33. He stated “I’m battling with it. I was so disappointed for Roman”, referring to his lethargic performance at Wrestlemania 33. 

Roman Reigns weighed in on the match, in the documentary ‘The Last Ride’, giving us a glimpse of how he was feeling right after the historic bout. Speaking about the significance of what everyone thought was The Undertaker’s last stint in the ring, Reigns said “It’s just heartbreaking. It affected me. It made me emotional and made me wanna cry. I don’t regret anything.” 

End of the road for The Undertaker.

Reigns understood the meaning of the Undertaker’s last match, and its implications on the legacy he would leave behind. He also spoke briefly about the disappointment that came with the bout. “Was it perfect? No. We were in the moment and as live performers, anything can happen. To be able to do that, it’s all coming back on his character.” Roman said. 

“It’s all coming back to the responsibilities he holds in that he [Mark Calaway] succeeds at. If there is something that has to be done, there is a goal at hand, the man gets it done. Plain and simple.”

The Undertaker was so disappointed with his performance at Wrestlemania 33, that he returned the next year. Reigns and undertaker spoke to each other about their match backstage at Wrestlemania 34, where the undertaker apologized for the match the previous year. “I felt so bad about last year. I just want you to know, that bothers me.” Mark said.

The bout marked the point from which Roman Reigns would finally be seen as the true face of the WWE. Beating The Undertaker, a beloved figure in pro-wrestling for more than 3 decades, gave him the support and likability a superstar in his position needed to succeed. The Wrestlemania 33 match, underwhelming as it might have been, marked the passing of the torch to Reigns.